On behalf of HPH Selly Oak, Hines has recently submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council for a new purpose built student accommodation scheme which features community spaces.

Summary of changes to the scheme following consultation

The final proposals were developed over the course of the consultation period with the council, local stakeholders and members of the community. The feedback gathered from our public exhibition in November 2019 helped to inform our final proposals and we are grateful to those members of the community who provided feedback on the scheme.

In response to the views expressed during the consultation, we have made the following changes to the scheme:

Massing - The massing has been adjusted to move some of the height from Bristol Road and Harborne Lane into the site to reduce the impact on neighbouring roads.

The overall footprint of each block has been reduced and the internal streets between the blocks have been widened, reducing mass and increasing visual permeability through the site.

Public Space - The amount of high street activity along the Bristol Road has been increased. In addition to the community hub and café, a further 208 sqm of space will be provided in a separate unit which could be used as an innovation centre, for general retail or for some other commercial use.

Overlooking – The south westerly and northern elevations of Block C have been faceted in a ‘sawtooth’ arrangement so windows do not look directly over the playground of Cherry Oak Primary School to reduce the potential for overlooking.

In order to find out more information about the application, please visit the planning application listed on the Birmingham City Council website.